The exemplary embodiments describe devices, systems and methods for implementing various exemplary techniques related to fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) cell search. A user equipment (UE) selects a frequency band to scan during a cell search procedure and identifies a frequency within the frequency band that is associated with a synchronization signal block (SSB) based on an indication of the frequency stored locally at the UE prior to the cell search procedure. The UE then scans the frequency for the SSB and determines that the SSB has been broadcast by a cell over the frequency.